Why We Exist

As the Alpine Club of Canada passes its 110th year milestone, our truly trail-breaking national organization delivers great value and fellowship, enhances lives and helps protect our natural spaces.

Our more than 11,000 members do more than climb mountains – although they do that with gusto, tackling new objectives and summiting spectacular peaks.

They also hike, scramble, backcountry ski, snowshoe, ice and rock climb, traversing some of Canada’s – and the world’s — most beautiful landscapes. They find peace in the serenity of our natural environments; they build resiliency in challenging terrain and weather; they honour and steward our wilderness spaces; and they build self-confidence and skills while taking part in Club camps and adventures with old friends and new, and with their families, young and old.

For those with extreme fire in their blood, the ACC also acts as the governing body and support network for competitive athletes in mountain sports. As the Alpine Club of Canada passes its 110th year milestone, our truly trail-breaking national organization delivers great value and fellowship, enhances lives and helps protect our natural spaces.

What We Do

At a time when people aren’t joining clubs like they used to, it’s gratifying to see that membership in The Alpine Club of Canada remains strong. Clearly, we are doing something right.

Our 11,000-plus members representing 22 sections from coast to coast to coast gather for adventures and swap expertise as they test their minds, bodies and spirits climbing, scrambling and while backcountry hiking, skiing and snowshoeing.

We promote and provide access for all mountaineering enthusiasts.  Whether strapping on crampons for the first time or adding a new ascent to a checklist, our members stay with the Club because we offer an affordable and comprehensive suite of programs, services and accommodations and a welcoming community that shares their passion.  With thousands of volunteer leaders devoting countless hours to lead and guide adventures, together we build self-confidence and skills while taking part in the Club’s numerous camps and adventures offered across the country.

Our backcountry hut system, equipped with environmental-sensitive technologies, is the largest in North America.   And, working closely with national and provincial parks systems, we have ambitious plans to grow.   We receive more than 40,000 visitors each year.  At our National Clubhouse in Canmore, we host youth groups, weddings, small retreats, and often provide gratuitous space for our colleagues in the non profit sector to gather, explore and strategize.

And we are proud to tell our story. Since the beginning, our members have shared their tales of exertion, elation and friendship in words, images, film and art. Their devotion has kept the mountain story strong. And their advocacy for the environment has strengthened public awareness. We celebrate our story with tens of thousands in many communities through our channels such as Canadian Alpine Journal, the Gazette and collection at the Whyte Museum in Banff.  Our collective contributions to our photo archives is breathtaking and like none other.

How We Do It

We deliver our services and programs through a strong foundation of staff, members, volunteers and partners, all facilitated through a national office located in Canmore AB.

Backcountry huts: The ACC operates the largest network of backcountry huts in North America. There are family-friendly huts in alpine meadows, backcountry powder paradises, remote climbers’ refuges and everything in between.

Adventures: Backcountry skiing, mountaineering, women’s-only programs – the ACC Mountain Adventures Program offers something for everyone.

Mountain Culture: The Alpine Club of Canada is a collection of local communities of people who are passionate about climbing and alpine environments. That passion is expressed in different ways, with one of the most long-lasting being the films and writing that recall the experiences in the mountains. This is our Mountain Culture.

Athletics: Sport Climbing, Ski Mountaineering Racing, Competition Ice Climbing. The ACC supports and encourages high-performance athletes and their development in many disciplines.

What You Can Do

Currently, there are several initiatives and programs across Canada offered by non-profits, recreation centres and like-minded organizations which provide Canadian youth with opportunities to experience the outdoors in some fashion.  Some offer adventures, camps, skills training and/or programs to get Canadians outside, but none offer comprehensive programming facilitated by a single organization, delivered across the nation, at an affordable fee structure, and for diverse skill levels and interests.

Our highest priority is to ensure safe, responsible access for all who desire to experience Canada’s wild and wonderful places. And we know that currently, there are barriers to growth, meeting the diverse needs and interests of our members and attracting the next generation of enthusiasts.  Building on our history, accomplishments and deep commitment to protecting the environment, the ACC has bold plans to grow our membership, enhance and increase our offerings for all Canadians who want to experience, explore and lead the way in preserving our mountain spaces. The bedrock of the ACC has always been its people – our members, staff and partners as well as our volunteers, who demonstrate their commitment to the Club in a mountain of ways.

Developed in response to our member feedback and in support of our national strategy, our donor investment priorities are as follows:   

1. People & Place: national Clubhouse expansiona and renovation

The bedrock of the ACC has always been its people – our members, staff and partners as well as our volunteers, who demonstrate their commitment to the Club in a mountain of ways. The national Clubhouse in Canmore, Alberta, is the physical embodiment of this spirit. It has the potential to be a magnetic focal point for mountain culture, partner collaboration, study and research, workshops, field trips, events and more.

Now 40 years old our national clubhouse is desperately in need of expansion and renovation to support our growing team and membership as well as the diverse interests our guests.  This flagship building, our national epicentre, will be a gathering place where all are welcome and drawn to share ideas, learning and culture. Donate today.

2. Rustic Retreats: Comprehensive hut system expansion

Working in partnership with the Canadian parks systems, we aspire to add a minimum of three more well-maintained and environmentally sensitive huts to our network.  Supporting the diverse skill sets of our members, and catering to the next generation of enthusiast, the huts will provide a home base for adventure in the backcountry, safe shelter from the elements, and a warm space for guests to share the day’s adventures with companions. Donate today.

3. Inspiring Adventures: Camps, courses and adventures that ensure the next generation of ACC members

New adventures will address diverse needs, build skills in the safe, responsible exploration of natural spaces, create more outstanding leaders and provide a forum for community. Donate today.

4. Preserving Our Playground: An increased commitment to environmental preservation and stewardship that provides responsible access to those that venture into our wild, natural places. Donate today.

5. Sharing Our Stories: Expanding our reach through an increased dedication to keeping the mountain story strong and accessible to all by producing inspiring words and stunning images, film and art. Donate today.